Ugh. I had to do those stupid time-usage reports a couple times on my previous job - always when there was someone in management who was disconcerted by the fact I was effectively self-directed. (One of whom once seemed to really want to get me fired - he was stunned when he asked me what I'd accomplished recently and I gave him a fairly substantial list off the top of my head; I think he was expecting me to say I played a lot of computer solitaire and searched the internet for porn or something.)
I would honestly be surprised if the time spent on that sort of report actually increases efficiency enough to offset the time wasted filling out the reports... except perhaps in the case where they already KNOW someone is goldbricking and management wants to document it or catch the person in a lie so they can fire the twit without a hassle.
As a supervisor I can say......kroydFebruary 8 2011, 02:29:54 UTC
This seemingly futile activity is often used to identify unproductive and incompetent employees. It also serves well to document very effective and productive individuals as well. With that data on file, it may be easier to get the raise if you threaten to leave. Or it may justify the hiring of additional staff.
Re: As a supervisor I can say......mellowtiggerFebruary 8 2011, 03:31:12 UTC
I've always thought that time-management reporting was a sign that management had no clue what staff was doing. In this case maybe it could be forgiven, since the guy was hired only last week and obviously couldn't know what staff is doing. He loses his "get out of jail free" card, though, for mentioning ISO certification in the same staff meeting
( ... )
Hm, this sounds like times where I was asked if I could do a calligraphy project. I replied no, I don't know how to do calligraphy.
"But, aren't you an artist?!"
Yes, yes I am but that doesn't mean I know how to do goddamn everything!
Terry, this is just as ridiculous as sounding as them asking the former head of I.T. to also manage facilities. :P I'm very sorry but at the same time you need to do what's in your best interest as well!
In spite of today's "pep talk" in the staff newsletter, I still don't see what septic systems have to do with Exchange servers. I remain skeptical of this combination. I think there are better ways to reduce costs than to create brand new layers of management (a move which itself reduces the staff available to handle tech needs).
If only Curiosity didn't get in the way. It's actually kind of entertaining (in that geeky way that I'm sure you understand) to see how the phone system is put together, even as badly organized as it is. But, yeah, I've nearly convinced myself to throw the problem over the political fence and have somebody pay for fixing it with their dollars instead my sanity.
While I can completely understand the curiosity thing, I can almost guarantee you that tossing the problem to someone else is the right thing to do.
And I doubt it will cost you much politically if you put it in terms of, "This will take more time to fix than I have available to apply to fixing it." You maintain your "I could do it" status, but you also remind folks that you are a limited resource.
It never hurts to put out feelers regarding prospects at other companies. I once heard that the best career moves are from one company to another. If nothing else it's just helpful to know we have options. I've been with the same employer, and at the same agency for almost 14 years. It has often made it easier to stay if I know I have options.
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I would honestly be surprised if the time spent on that sort of report actually increases efficiency enough to offset the time wasted filling out the reports... except perhaps in the case where they already KNOW someone is goldbricking and management wants to document it or catch the person in a lie so they can fire the twit without a hassle.
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Best of luck.
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"But, aren't you an artist?!"
Yes, yes I am but that doesn't mean I know how to do goddamn everything!
Terry, this is just as ridiculous as sounding as them asking the former head of I.T. to also manage facilities. :P I'm very sorry but at the same time you need to do what's in your best interest as well!
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*much longer rant deleted during edit*
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And I doubt it will cost you much politically if you put it in terms of, "This will take more time to fix than I have available to apply to fixing it." You maintain your "I could do it" status, but you also remind folks that you are a limited resource.
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Yeah, just knowing where to find the Exit is a useful de-stress tool.
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